Method and apparatus for a product dispenser with increased insulative properties

ABSTRACT

Vacuum insulation panels with a decreased thermal conductivity provide increased thermal effectiveness in a vessel of a product dispenser, when the vessel is substantially encapsulated with the vacuum insulation panels. The product dispenser including insulation having a reduced thermal conductivity provides the ability to convert existing manufacturer product lines from designs requiring foams with hydroflorocarbon blowing agents to foams that utilize non-hydroflorocarbon blowing agents. The vacuum insulation panels may be placed adjacent to the vessel walls, or may be adhered to the vessel walls. In an extension of this embodiment, multiple layers of vacuum insulation panels may be applied to the vessel to further increase the thermal effectiveness of the vessel. Still further, the layers of the vacuum insulation panels may be covered with an as-formed foam insulation, thereby creating a composite thermal barrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to product dispensing equipment and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to methods and an apparatus for increasing the insulative properties of product dispensers that include foam insulation.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the quest to be environmentally conscious, product suppliers are forcing product dispenser manufacturers to engage in their quest by placing new standards on orders for products on existing product lines. Product dispenser manufacturers must comply with the new design standards or lose sales. One new standard forces product dispenser manufacturers to remove components that utilize HFC's in the manufacturing process. While the substitution of HFC components with components that do not utilize HFC's in the manufacturing process may seem routine, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the substitution of randomly selected components based on alternative criteria may alter or hinder the performance of the product dispenser.

Illustratively, product dispenser manufacturers are no longer able to utilize HFC blowing agents for foams, and the simple substitution of a foam blowing agent does not always provide an equivalent thermal solution. By products of a product dispenser with a thermally less efficient foam may include increased ice usage to keep the cold plate cool, increased melt rate in the storage chamber, and ultimately, warmer drinks.

Further complications arise because the product dispenser is already designed and in production. Proposed design solutions must be workable in the current state of the product dispenser. As such, foam substitutions for a blown in place foaming operation that cures around components disposed in the foaming cavity will, most likely, require a blown in foam solution, as a modular form of the foam would not fit into areas with existing components. Further, not all variables of similar type arrangements may be manipulated. For example, increasing a thickness of a less-efficient foam substitution is not acceptable, as existing components often fit around a pre-existing foam thickness. The reworking of the mating components would be a costly endeavor, as multiple components would be affected, each of which includes design considerations, tooling considerations, planning considerations, and the like.

Accordingly, a product dispenser that provides an increased thermal efficiency without utilizing HFCs would be desirable by product dispenser manufacturers, as well as product suppliers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a product dispenser includes at least one vacuum insulation panel disposed around a vessel of the product dispenser, such that a chamber disposed within the vessel has an increased thermal efficiency. In a first embodiment, the product dispenser includes a first layer of vacuum insulation panels disposed adjacent to the exterior walls of the vessel to substantially encapsulate the vessel, thereby providing increased insulative properties to the chamber that houses a product. The product dispenser may further include additional layers of insulation disposed over the first layer. A subsequent layer of insulation may be constructed from additional vacuum insulation panels or an as-formed foam insulation, thereby providing a composite thermal solution.

The vacuum insulation panels provide any type of vessel of a product dispenser with increased insulative properties. Illustratively, the composite insulation may be applied to a product chamber, vessels for ice water baths, refrigerated cabinets, and the like. The increased thermal efficiency of the vessel provides an extended thermal equilibrium profile, as less energy is dissipated per unit time. The increased thermal efficiency further provides for reduced run time for the product dispenser, as refrigerated chambers remain colder for longer periods.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a product dispenser utilizing at least one vacuum insulation panel.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a product dispenser including a vessel substantially encapsulated by vacuum insulation panels.

It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a product dispenser including at least one layer of vacuum insulation panels disposed around the vessel.

It is still yet further an object of the present invention to provide a product dispenser including a composite thermal barrier.

Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the following. Also, it should be understood that the scope of this invention is intended to be broad, and any combination of any subset of the features, elements, or steps described herein is part of the intended scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a provides a perspective view of a product dispenser according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 1 b provides an exploded view of the product dispenser according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 1 c provides a section view of an insulated wall according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 1 d provides a flowchart illustrating the method steps of placing vacuum panel insulation onto the vessel of the product dispenser according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 1 e provides a section view of an insulated wall according to an extension of the first embodiment.

FIG. 1 f provides an exploded view of the product dispenser including a second layer of vacuum insulation panels.

FIG. 2 a provides a perspective view of a vessel including a composite foam wall according to an extension of the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 b provides a section view of a composite foam wall according to the extension of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 a provides a perspective view of a product dispenser according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 b provides an exploded view of the product dispenser according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 3 c provides a perspective view of the product dispenser with a composite foam wall according to an extension of the second embodiment.

FIG. 3 d provides a perspective view of a product dispenser that includes a vessel housing product and diluent lines according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 3 e provides a perspective view of the product dispenser including a composite foam wall according to an extension of the third embodiment.

FIG. 4 a provides a perspective view of a product dispenser according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 4 b provides an exploded view of the product dispenser according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 4 c provides a perspective view of the product dispenser with a second layer of insulation according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 5 a provides a perspective view of vacuum insulation panels in proximity to a cold plate according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 5 b provides a section view of a product dispenser according to the fifth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is further to be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components or steps.

In a simplest form, a product dispenser 100 includes a housing 110, and at least one product flow circuit 101 for receiving a product and dispensing the product. The housing 110 includes a vessel 105 supported by a frame assembly. The frame assembly provides structural support to the components of the product dispenser 100, and may be constructed from virtually any form of structural member made from commonly available structural materials, including steel, aluminum, plastics, and the like. In this first embodiment, the frame assembly is a welded steel frame.

The vessel 105 may be any form of product containment device, including tanks, bins, liners, and the like, that includes or forms a chamber 106. The vessel 105 may be constructed from virtually any form of material that is structurally adequate to contain and support a chamber 106 full of a particular product. In this first embodiment, the vessel 105 is a liner formed from polypropylene. At a minimum, the vessel 105 includes the chamber 106, an inlet 111, and an outlet 113 in communication with the chamber 106. The inlet 111 is disposed at an upper end of the vessel 106, and has a cross section substantially as large as the product dispenser 100 for easy loading of product into the chamber 106. Alternatively, the large inlet 111 may be utilized to capture product falling from a product generator disposed above the product dispenser 100. The outlet 113 is substantially smaller than the inlet 111, and may be disposed near a midpoint of a front of the product dispenser 100. The outlet 113 is utilized to dispense predetermined amounts of the product from the chamber 106.

The vessel 105 may further include a floor 126, a first wall 127, a second wall 128, a third wall 129, and a fourth wall 130. The floor 126 may be angled to aid the movement of product particles toward a dispense or a pick-up point. The first wall 127 extends upward from the floor 126, and is attached to the second wall 128 and the fourth wall 130. The third wall 129 also extends upward from the floor 126, and is connected to the second wall 128 and the fourth wall 130, thereby forming the chamber 106 therebetween.

One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the product dispenser 100 may include a dispensing means to portion and move a predetermined quantity of product to the outlet 113. The dispensing means may be any form of product portioning or transferring device known in the art, including a paddlewheel. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that the product dispenser 100 may include an agitation means disposed within the chamber 106, to engage the product, and break up clumps of product particles. The agitation means may be any form of agitation system commonly utilized in the art, including an agitator bar coupled to the paddlewheel.

In this embodiment, the term product dispenser is defined as a piece of equipment designed to dispense predetermined quantities of a product. Illustratively, the product dispenser 100 may house and dispense various forms of ice, dry products, slurries, and the like. In this first embodiment, the product dispenser 100 is an ice dispenser. Additionally, the term product flow circuit 101 may be defined as any product delivery and dispensing flowpath, including ice delivery paths, concentrate delivery paths, diluent delivery path, condiment delivery paths, dry product delivery paths, and the like. In this first embodiment, the product flow circuit 101 is a flowpath for storing and delivering ice.

The product dispenser 100 may further include a chute disposed around the outlet 113, and an activator 112 in communication with the agitation means. Upon depression of the activator 112, the agitation means rotates to break up and reset the product disposed within the chamber 106.

The product dispenser 100 may further include a first layer of insulation 123 on the outer surfaces of the vessel 105. In this embodiment, the first layer of insulation 123 is a group of individually sealed vacuum panels that have a lower thermal conductivity than those normally utilized in the product dispensing industry. Illustratively, a conventional foam with a hydroflorocarbon free blowing agent has a thermal conductivity of point one three Watts/m·K, and a vacuum panel has a thermal conductivity of point zero seven Watts/m·K. The vacuum panels are formed by placing a polyurethane foam plank 117 into a malleable bag 118, evacuating the malleable bag 118 of air, and sealing the malleable bag 118 in the evacuated state. The sealed vacuum panel then possesses the desired decreased thermal conductivity. In this embodiment, the first layer of insulation 123 includes a first vacuum panel 136, a second vacuum panel 137, and a third vacuum panel 138. The first vacuum panel 136 is of a shape complementary to an exterior surface 131 of the first wall 127, and may be placed adjacent to the exterior surface 131, or may be mounted to the exterior surface 131 using any suitable means, including adhesives, tapes, mechanical fasteners, and the like. Illustratively, in this embodiment, the first vacuum panel 136 is secured to the exterior surface 131 using an epoxy. As shown in FIG. 1 c, the adhesion to the exterior surface 131 using epoxy minimizes the possibility of air pockets between the first vacuum panel 136 and the exterior surface 131.

Similarly, the second vacuum panel 137 is complementary in shape to an exterior surface 132 of the second wall 128. The second vacuum panel 137 is similarly secured to the exterior surface 132. The third vacuum panel 138 is complementary in shape to an exterior surface 133 of the third wall 129, and is similarly secured to the exterior surface 133.

In cases where flat panels are not possible, an exterior surface may be covered by a group of vacuum panels to achieve a desired coverage. As shown in FIG. 1 b, a fourth vacuum panel 138 is complementary in shape to a portion of an exterior surface 134 of the fourth wall 130, and is adhered to the complementary portion. A fifth vacuum panel 140 is complementary in shape to a different portion of the exterior surface 134 of the fourth wall 130, and is similarly secured to the complementary portion. Illustratively, a sixth vacuum panel 141 and a seventh vacuum panel 142 are also complementary to portions of the exterior surface 134 of the fourth wall, and are similarly secured to the complementary portions so as to substantially cover the exterior surface 134 of the fourth wall 130. Still further, an eighth vacuum panel 143 is complementary to an exterior surface 135 of the floor 126, and is secured to the exterior surface 135 to substantially cover the exposed surfaces of the vessel 105.

As shown in the method flowchart of FIG. 1 d, the process of increasing the thermal efficiency of a vessel of a product dispenser commences with step 10, wherein vacuum insulation panels are placed adjacent to exterior surfaces 131 through 135 of the vessel 105 to substantially cover all of the exterior surfaces 131 through 135. The process then moves to step 20, wherein vacuum insulation panels are adhered to the exterior surfaces 131 through 135 of the vessel 105, thereby ensuring that air pockets are removed from between the vacuum insulation panels and the exterior surfaces 131 through 135 of the vessel 105.

The product dispenser 100 may further include a lid 120 to close out the inlet 111 of the chamber 106 when not closed out by a product generator. The lid 120 may also include a top vacuum panel 144 complementary in shape to the lid 120 to fully close out the chamber 106.

On full assembly, the exposed surfaces of the vessel 105 are covered with vacuum panels having a decreased thermal conductivity, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of the chamber 106, and maintaining product temperatures for longer periods. The product dispenser 100 may still further include a wrapper to close out the product dispenser 100, and protect the vacuum panels.

In operation, a product is placed into the chamber 106 for storage and dispensing. The lid 120 may then be placed onto the product dispenser 100 to thermally isolate the product disposed within the chamber 106. The product remains in the chamber 106 until an operator depresses the activator 112. Upon the depression of the activator 112, the dispensing means is powered to segment and deliver a predetermined portion of the product to the outlet 113 for delivery into a drink receptacle.

One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that a thickness of the foam plank, and the effective thickness of the vacuum insulation panel may be increased or reduced to adjust the thermal conductivity of the vacuum insulation panel. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that additional layers may be applied over the existing layer of vacuum insulation panels, thereby further increasing the thermal efficiency of the chamber 106. As shown in FIG. 1 e, a second layer of insulation 235 may be placed directly adjacent to the first layer of insulation 123 to substantially double the thermal effects of the first vacuum insulation panel 136. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that any additional layers of vacuum insulation panels may be adhered to the underlying layers, and that additional layers are not limited to the same configuration as underlying layers. FIG. 1 f provides an exploded view of the product dispenser 100 including a second layer of vacuum insulation panels, depicted by numerals 236 through 244, disposed over the first layer of vacuum insulation panels. Accordingly, virtually any number of layers of vacuum insulation panels may be utilized to provide an acceptable thermal solution.

In an extension of the first embodiment, a product dispenser 150 includes all components of the product dispenser 100, and like parts have been annotated with like numerals, however, the product dispenser 150 further includes a second layer of insulation 235 disposed over the insulated vessel 105. As shown in FIG. 2 a, the product dispenser 150 includes a vessel 105, and the first vacuum panel 136 through the eighth vacuum panel 143. The first vacuum insulation panel 136 through the eighth vacuum insulation panel 143 are secured to exterior surfaces of the vessel 105, exactly as shown in the first embodiment. The product dispenser 150 further includes an as-formed foam insulation 151 disposed over the vacuum panels 136 through 143. The as-formed foam insulation 151 may be any form of insulation commonly utilized in the product dispensing industry for its insulating properties, and extends substantially from the vacuum panels secured to the vessel 105, to a wrapper, thereby creating a composite insulating wall. The addition of the as-formed foam insulation 151 to the insulated vessel 105 creates a composite thermal barrier made up of the vacuum insulation panels 136 through 143, and the as-formed layer of foam insulation 151.

In this extension of the first embodiment, the as-formed foam insulation 151 is a polyurethane foam having a thermal conductivity slightly greater than that of the vacuum insulation panels. As a composite, the effective thermal conductivity is lower than that of the polyurethane foam alone. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize foams utilizing a hydroflorocarbon as a blowing agent have lower thermal conductivities than those utilizing non-hydroflorocarbon blowing agents. As such, a move from a hydroflorocarbon blowing agent to a non-hydroflorocarbon blowing agent for a foam utilized in a product dispenser may negatively affect the thermal properties of the product dispenser.

Assembly of the product dispenser 150 is substantially identical to the product dispenser 100, except for the over molding of the as-formed foam insulation 151. After application of the vacuum panels 136 through 143, to the exterior surfaces 131 through 135 of the vessel 105, the vessel 105 is placed into a foaming fixture. A two-part foam is then injected into the foaming fixture and allowed to cure. Upon curing, the foam hardens, and secures all contacting surfaces and objects in place. The as-formed foam insulation 151 cleanly and completely fills a void between the vessel 105, vacuum insulation panels 136 through 143, and the wrapper. As such, the vacuum panels 136 through 143, and any other components passing through the void are substantially encapsulated by the now cured as-formed foam insulation 151, as shown in FIG. 2 b. The as-formed foam insulation 151 secures the vacuum panels 136 through 143 in place, and further protects the vacuum panels 136 through 143 from incidental damage, including piercing, cutting, and loss of vacuum.

Operation of the product dispenser 150 is identical to that disclosed for the product dispenser 100, wherein a product is stored within the vessel 105 for dispensing, and will therefore, not be further disclosed.

In a second embodiment, a product dispenser 200 is similar to the product dispenser 150, and further includes at least one beverage flow circuit 201. Beverage dispensing circuits are well known in the art, and may be utilized in quantities greater than one. In this second embodiment, the product dispenser 200 includes a beverage flow circuit 201 utilizing a cold plate 215 having at least one concentrate line 216, and may further include a diluent flow circuit 202 having at least one diluent line 217. The diluent flow circuit 202 and the beverage flow circuit 201 may pass through the cold plate 215 to thermally condition fluids before dispensing.

The product dispenser 200 further includes a vessel 205 having a chamber 206. The vessel 205 is similar in construction to the vessel 105, however, the vessel 205 may be adapted to dispense ice onto an upper surface of the cold plate 215, and therefore, a floor of the vessel 205 may include slots or openings that allow the transmission of ice from the chamber 206 to the upper surface of the cold plate 215. The vessel 205 includes a first wall 210 having a first exterior surface 230, a second wall 211 having a second exterior surface 231, a third wall 212 having a third exterior surface 232, and a fourth wall 213 having a fourth exterior surface 233. The product dispenser 200 further includes vacuum panels 136 through 142 as disclosed in the product dispenser 100. The product dispenser 200 does not include the eighth vacuum panel 143 of the product dispenser 100, as product is dispensed through the floor or lower portion of the vessel 205. As shown in FIG. 3 b, the vacuum panels 136 through 142 are attached to the exterior surfaces of the walls 210 through 213 to create a first layer of insulation 123, and to provide increased insulatory properties to the vessel 205.

The at least one diluent line 217 includes an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in communication with a diluent source, and the outlet is in communication with a diluent port of a product dispensing valve, and the at least one concentrate line 216 includes an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is in communication with a concentrate source, and the outlet is in communication with a concentrate port of a beverage dispensing valve.

In operation, a diluent enters the diluent flow circuit 202 through the inlet, flows through the passes of the diluent line 217 disposed within the cold plate 215, and to the product dispensing valve. Similarly, a concentrate enters the beverage flow circuit 201, flows through the passes of concentrate line 216 disposed within the cold plate 215, and then flows toward the product dispensing valve. Upon a dispense command, the concentrate and the diluent are dispensed through a nozzle. Operation of the product flow circuit 101 is identical in flow and form to that disclosed in the product dispenser 100, wherein a product is stored in the chamber 106, and dispensed through the outlet 113 for use.

In an extension of the second embodiment, the product dispenser 200 may further include a second layer of insulation 235 disposed over the first layer of vacuum insulation panels. The second layer of insulation 235 may be a second layer of vacuum insulation panels, or may be a layer of as-formed foam insulation 151. As shown in FIG. 3 c, an as-formed foam insulation 151 is identical to that of the product dispenser 150. The as-formed foam insulation 151 permanently locates and supports any product lines disposed around the vessel 205, and creates a composite insulation platform, identical to that shown in FIG. 2 b. The increased thermal properties provide an increased thermal efficiency for the chamber 206.

In a third embodiment, a product dispenser 250 includes a concentrate flow circuit 252, and a diluent flow circuit 253. The product dispenser 250 further includes a vessel 260 having a first wall 271, a second wall 272, a third wall 272, a fourth wall 274, and a floor panel 275 that form a chamber 261. The concentrate flow circuit 252 is connectable to a concentrate source, and includes at least one concentrate line 255. The diluent flow circuit 253 is similarly connectable to a diluent source, and includes at least one diluent line 256. At least one diluent line 256 and one concentrate line 255 pass through the chamber 261 of the vessel 260. The diluent line 256 and the concentrate line 255 may make multiple passes through the chamber 261 to provide adequate length for desired amount of heat transfer. The opposing ends of the diluent line 256 and the concentrate line 255 are then connectable to a product valve for dispensing.

The product dispenser 250 further includes a refrigeration deck assembly 265 having a refrigeration circuit 266 disposed on a refrigeration deck 267. The refrigeration circuit 266 includes a compressor 268 disposed on an upper surface of the deck 267, and refrigeration coils 269 disposed beneath the deck 267. The refrigeration deck 267 is of a size complementary to the vessel 260, such that it may rest on top of the vessel 260. The refrigeration deck assembly 265 further includes a deck vacuum panel 285 that is adhered on a lower surface of the deck 267. The deck vacuum panel 285 is of a construction similar to previously disclosed vacuum panels in this invention. While this deck vacuum panel 285 is shown as a single component, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the deck vacuum panel 285 may be constructed from multiple vacuum panels, as described herein, to work around components.

The product dispenser 250 further includes vacuum insulation panels disposed adjacent to exterior surfaces of the vessel 260. As shown in FIG. 3 d, a first vacuum panel 280 is adhered to an exterior surface 291 of the first wall 271, a second vacuum panel 281 is disposed on an exterior surface 292 of the second wall 272, a third vacuum panel 281 is disposed onto an exterior surface 293 of the third wall 273, and a fourth vacuum panel 283 is disposed on an exterior surface 294 of the fourth wall 274. A fifth vacuum panel 284 is adhered to an exterior surface 295 of the floor panel 275 of the vessel 260. The vacuum panels 280 through 284 are secured to the vessel 260 in similar fashion to the product dispensers 100, 150, and 200. As such, the vacuum panels 280 through 284 substantially cover the exterior surfaces 291 through 295 of the vessel 260, and increase the insulative properties of the vessel 260 in the product dispenser 250.

On assembly, the refrigeration deck assembly 265 is placed onto the vessel 260, such that the refrigeration coils 269 hang beneath the refrigeration deck 267 while within the chamber 261. The chamber 261 is filled with water to create a water bath that covers approximately two thirds of the coils 269, the concentrate line 255, and the diluent line 256. Once the refrigeration deck assembly 265 is in place, the vessel 260 is substantially encapsulated by the vacuum formed panels 280 through 285, thereby increasing the insulative properties of the chamber 261.

In operation, electrical power is supplied to the refrigeration circuit 266, and the temperature of the coils 269 drops below a freezing temperature. The decreased temperature of the coils 269 forces ice to form the portions of the coils that lies beneath the water, and eventually forms an ice block. The ice block remains in the water bath, and is depleted as unchilled concentrate and diluent pass through the product lines 255 and 256. If the ice block depletes to a minimum specified point, the refrigeration circuit 266 is reinitiated to build the ice block to a maximum level.

The product dispenser 250 that utilizes the vacuum panels 280 through 285 has increased insulative properties, and thereby provides extended ice block life, reduced power consumption, and reduced thermal losses.

In an extension of the third embodiment, a product dispenser 251 includes all components of the product dispenser 250, and accordingly, like parts have been labeled with like numerals. The product dispenser 251 further includes a second layer of insulation 235 disposed around the vessel 260. As shown in previous embodiments, the second layer of insulation 235 may be a second layer of vacuum insulation panels, or an as-formed foam insulation 291. In this specific example, the second layer of insulation 235 is a layer of as-formed foam insulation 291 disposed about a vessel 260, and the vacuum panels 280 through 285. The as-formed foam insulation 291 forms a composite thermal barrier. Items disposed within a chamber 261 of the vessel 260 maintain temperatures for longer periods than a vessel as described in the product dispenser 250.

In cases where hydroflorocarbon blowing agents are replaced with non-hydroflorocarbon blowing agents, the thermal properties of the vessel in the product dispenser are compromised, as foams utilizing non-hydroflorocarbon blowing agents typically has an increased thermal conductivity, and are not thermally equivalent. Accordingly, a composite thermal barrier constructed from vacuum insulation panels and a non-hydroflorocarbon blown foam creates product dispenser with increased thermal efficiencies.

All other aspects of the product dispenser 251 are similar to the product dispensers 100, 150, and 251, and accordingly, will not be further disclosed.

In a fourth embodiment, a product dispenser 300 includes a diluent flow circuit 353, and a vessel 360 having a first wall 371, a second wall 372, a third wall 372, a fourth wall 374, and a rear panel 375 that form a chamber 361. The chamber 361 is suitable for housing at least one product source 305 or diluent source, and may be refrigerated. The product dispenser 300 may further include a cover 308 for closing out the chamber 361. The cover 308 may be hingedly coupled to the product dispenser 300, so as to form an access door. In this specific example of the fourth embodiment, the product dispenser 300 includes at least one diluent flow circuit 353 disposed within the product dispenser 300. A first end of the diluent flow circuit 353 is adaptable to a remote diluent source, such that a diluent is delivered to the product dispenser 300, and a second end is adaptable to a mixing or flow regulation device, such that the diluent is delivered for use or for mixing with a product from the product source 305. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the diluent may be chilled utilizing any of the means disclosed in the previous embodiments, thereby conditioning the diluent disposed within the diluent line 356.

The product source 305 may be any type of prepackaged form that contains a product. Illustratively, the product may be a product requiring refrigeration, a frozen product, a shelf stable product, a concentrated product, such as commonly utilized in condiments, soups, teas, dairy products, and the like. The package of the product source may be virtually any form of packaging commonly utilized the dispensing area, including plastic bags, plastic containers, cartons, disposable containers, and the sort. While this fourth embodiment has been shown as a front-loading product dispenser, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a chamber 361 may be disposed in virtually any configuration or direction. Illustratively, the cover 308 may be on a top of the product dispenser 300 to create a top-loading unit. Additionally, the product source may include a dispensing means attached to the product source, such that the product may be dispensed from the product source, while disposed within the chamber 361, thereby eliminating the risk of exposure to the ambient environment. The use of a product source including a dispensing means would further require a driving means disposed within the chamber 361 to drive the dispensing means.

The product dispenser 300 further includes a first layer of insulation 123 made up of a first vacuum insulation panel 310, a second vacuum insulation panel 311, a third vacuum insulation panel 312, a fourth vacuum insulation panel 313, a fifth vacuum insulation panel 314, and a cover vacuum insulation panel 315. In this embodiment, the first vacuum insulation panel 310 is disposed adjacent to the first wall 371, the second vacuum insulation panel 311 is disposed adjacent to the second wall 372, the third vacuum insulation panel 312 is disposed adjacent to the third wall 373, the fourth vacuum insulation panel 313 is disposed adjacent to the fourth wall 374, and the fifth vacuum insulation panel 314 is disposed adjacent to the rear panel 375, thereby substantially encapsulating the vessel 360 and the chamber 361. The cover vacuum panel 315 is likewise disposed adjacent to the cover 308, such that the vessel 360 and the chamber 361 are substantially encapsulated when the cover 308 is in a closed position. As shown in the previous embodiments, the encapsulation of the vessel 360 and the chamber 361 within vacuum insulation panels provides increased thermal efficiency within the chamber 361.

As disclosed in previous embodiments, the vacuum insulation panels 310 through 315 may be adhered to the adjacent walls to eliminate the possibility of the air gaps between the components. Additionally, a second layer of insulation 318 may be placed over the previously mounted vacuum insulation panels 310 through 315, to further increase the thermal properties of the of the vessel 360 and the chamber 361. As disclosed in previous embodiments, the second layer of insulation 318 may be comprised of additional vacuum insulation panels or an as-formed layer of insulation blown around the vessel 360 and the secured vacuum insulation panels 310 through 315.

In operation, the product dispenser 300 stores the product source 305 within the chamber 361, a product is dispensed from the product source 305, and mixed with the diluent from the diluent flow circuit 353 for delivery exterior to the product dispenser 300. In this specific example, the chamber 361 of the vessel 360 is refrigerated utilizing any means suitable, thereby maintaining an environment conducive to storing a particular product.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various configurations of vacuum panel insulation are possible, including sizes of panels, thickness, number of layers, type of blowing agent, and the like. Further, the use of as-formed foams in conjunction with the vacuum insulation panels provides an increased thermal efficiency over the use of foams utilizing non-hydroflorocarbon blowing agents, thereby providing the ability to retrofit existing product lines designed with foams that utilized hydroflorocarbon blowing agents with foams that utilize non-hydroflorocarbon blowing agents.

While these embodiments have been shown with a single vessel, it should be clear to one skilled in the art that product dispensers that include multiple vessels of varying configurations are certainly possible, and therefore, should be construed as part of this disclosure.

While the previous embodiment include vacuum insulation panels disposed in proximity to varying types of vessels of a product dispenser, it should be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art that the vacuum insulation panels may further be utilized in other locations of product dispensers to provide increased thermal efficiencies to specific areas of the product dispenser, including product circuits, cold plates, ice passages, product passages, reduced foam thickness areas, and the like. In this disclosure, a reduced foam thickness area may be defined as any portion of the product dispenser that includes less than normal foam thickness due to design considerations. Illustratively, a product dispenser 400 of a similar construction to embodiments including cold plates is shown in FIG. 5 a. In this example, the product dispenser 400 includes a cold plate 402, a wrapper 403, a first vacuum insulation panel 405, a second vacuum insulation panel 406, and a third vacuum insulation panel 407. The first through third vacuum insulation panels 405 to 407 may be of a shape complementary to outer edges of the cold plate 402, such that the edges of the cold plate 402 are in close proximity to the vacuum insulation panels 405 through 407.

This embodiment further includes a vessel 401 disposed above the cold plate 402, a vessel wall 411, and the wrapper 403 disposed around the product dispenser 400. Upon assembly, the first through third vacuum insulation panels 405 through 407 are disposed between the cold plate 402 and the wrapper 403, and a layer of as-formed insulation 409 is disposed in a cavity between the wrapper 403 and the vessel wall 411, and above the vacuum insulation panels 405 through 407. As illustrated in FIG. 5 b, the cross-section illustrates that the distance between the cold plate 402 and the wrapper 403 may be less than the distance between the vessel wall 411 and the wrapper 403, and therefore a reduced foam thickness area is created when the cavity is filled with an as-formed foam. The placement of the vacuum insulation panels 405 through 407 into the areas deemed reduced foam thickness areas, for example, around the cold plate 402, increases the thermal efficiency of the cold plate 402, as well as the product dispenser 400.

While this example shows a single layer of vacuum insulation panels disposed in proximity to a cold plate 402 to provide increased thermal efficiencies for the cold plate 402 and the product dispenser 400, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the same techniques previously disclosed are applicable to reduced foam thickness areas, and the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that vacuum insulation panels and methods disclosed herein may provide increased thermal efficiencies in other locations. Illustratively, the vacuum insulation panels may encapsulate product passages thereby providing increased thermal efficiencies to product disposed within the product passages and further reducing the demand on a cooling system of the product dispenser.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing detailed description; rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow. 

1. A product dispenser, comprising: a housing; a product flow circuit disposed within the housing; and at least one vacuum insulation panel disposed in the housing, wherein the at least one vacuum insulation panel provides an increased thermal efficiency to the product dispenser.
 2. The product dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a vessel.
 3. The product dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the vessel includes a chamber.
 4. The product dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the chamber stores ice.
 5. The product dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising: a layer of as-formed insulation disposed over the vacuum insulation panel, thereby providing a composite thermal barrier having an increased thermal efficiency, wherein the as-formed layer of insulation adheres to the vacuum insulation panel and secures the vacuum insulation panel in place.
 6. The product dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the layer of as-formed insulation is blown with a non-hydroflorocarbon blowing agent.
 7. The product dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising: a second vacuum insulation panel disposed over the vacuum insulation panel, thereby providing a composite thermal barrier having an increased thermal efficiency, wherein the second vacuum insulation panel protects the first vacuum insulation panel.
 8. The product dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum insulation panel is blown with a non-hydroflorocarbon blowing agent.
 9. The product dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the vacuum insulation panel is adhered to an exterior surface of the vessel.
 10. The product dispenser according to claim 4, wherein the product flow circuit stores and delivers ice disposed within the vessel.
 11. The product dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the product flow circuit is a beverage flow circuit, and further wherein the beverage flow circuit delivers a concentrate from a concentrate source to a product dispensing valve for use.
 12. The product dispenser according to claim 11, further comprising at least one diluent flow circuit disposed within the housing, wherein the at least one diluent flow circuit delivers a diluent for mixing with the concentrate, and delivery exterior to the housing.
 13. The product dispenser according to claim 12, wherein the vessel houses a cold water bath for chilling lines product and diluent lines.
 14. The product dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the vessel is disposed above a cold plate.
 15. The product dispenser according to claim 13, further comprising: a refrigeration circuit disposed within the housing, wherein the refrigeration circuit includes coils disposed within the water bath, thereby chilling the water bath, the product lines passing through the water bath, and any products passing through the product lines.
 16. The product dispenser according to claim 13, further comprising: a refrigeration deck that closes out an open portion of the chamber, and at least one additional vacuum insulation panel disposed on the deck, thereby covering an upper portion of the chamber, and providing increased thermal efficiency to the vessel.
 17. The product dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the chamber houses a product source.
 18. The product dispenser according to claim 17, wherein the product source is packaged in a disposable package.
 19. The product dispenser according to claim 3, wherein the chamber is refrigerated.
 20. The product dispenser according to claim 17, further comprising at least one diluent flow circuit disposed within the housing, wherein a diluent from a diluent source and a concentrate from the product source are mixed for delivery exterior to the housing.
 21. The product dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum insulation panel is utilized in a reduced foam thickness area.
 22. The product dispenser according to claim 21, wherein the thin foam thickness area is in proximity to a cold plate.
 23. The product dispenser according to claim 22, wherein the vacuum insulation panel eliminates the formation of condensation on an outer surface of the product dispenser in proximity to the cold plate.
 24. A method of increasing the thermal efficiency of a product dispenser, comprising: a. providing a product dispenser including a housing; and b. placing a first vacuum insulation panel having an increased thermal efficiency in the housing, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of the product dispenser.
 25. The method of increasing the thermal efficiency of a product dispenser according to claim 24, further comprising: c. placing a second vacuum insulation panel on top of the first vacuum insulation panel, thereby further increasing the thermal efficiency of the product dispenser.
 26. The method of increasing the thermal efficiency of a product dispenser according to claim 24, further comprising: c. placing a layer of as-formed insulation over of the first vacuum insulation panel, thereby forming a composite thermal barrier, and securing the first vacuum insulation panel in place.
 27. The method of increasing the thermal efficiency of a product dispenser according to claim 24, wherein the first vacuum panel is disposed adjacent to an exterior surface of a vessel disposed within the housing, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of the vessel.
 28. The method of increasing the thermal efficiency of a product dispenser according to claim 27, wherein the first vacuum insulation panel is glued to the exterior surface of the vessel, thereby eliminating any voids between the first vacuum insulation panel and the exterior surface of the vessel.
 29. The method of increasing the thermal efficiency of a product dispenser according to claim 25, wherein the second vacuum insulation panel is glued to the first vacuum insulation panel, thereby eliminating chance of air pocket between the vacuum insulation panels.
 30. The method of increasing the thermal efficiency of a product dispenser according to claim 24, wherein the first vacuum insulation panel is disposed in proximity to a cold plate, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of the cold plate and the product dispenser.
 31. The method of increasing the thermal efficiency of the product dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the isolation of the cold plate eliminates the build up of condensation in proximity to the cold plate on an outer surface of the product dispenser.
 32. A method of converting a product dispenser manufacturing line from non-HFC foams to HFC-free foams, comprising: a. placing at least one vacuum insulation panel into a void of an area to be foamed, wherein the to be foamed area was previously filled with non-HFC-free as-formed insulation; and b. filling the remaining void of the to be foamed area with HFC-free as-formed insulation, thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of the product dispenser.
 33. The method of converting a product dispenser manufacturing line from non-HFC foams to HFC-free foams according to claim 32, wherein the at least one vacuum insulation panel is disposed adjacent to an exterior surface of the vessel.
 34. The method of converting a product dispenser manufacturing line from non-HFC foams to HFC-free foams according to claim 33, wherein the vacuum insulation panels are glued to the exterior surface of the vessel. 